North Carolina’s Touchstone Energy® cooperatives demonstrate their commitment to the communities they serve by investing in worthy programs like the Bright Ideas grant program for North Carolina’s teachers. Since this grant program began in 1994,
North Carolina’s electric cooperatives have awarded $9.6 million to sponsor 9,200 projects benefiting 1.8 million students.

In addition to supporting education in the state, North Carolina’s Touchstone Energy® cooperatives focus on rural issues and youth-related organizations. These other community-based programs receive about $2 million in direct support annually and include first-responder organizations, recreation, 4-H, multi-cultural awareness, county fairs and local charities.